iHeartMedia Los Angeles announced today that veteran programmer, Jill Kempton, has been named Program Director for Los Angeles’s legendary AC station KOST 103.5, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Los Angeles has a strong cross-platform presence and includes eight iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing stations comprised of music, talk and news formats.
iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Program Director, Kempton will be responsible for crafting and guiding the station’s brand strategy, coaching iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ award-winning talent, enhancing the station’s already strong digital engagement, putting proprietary data into action and unlocking new integrated solutions for advertisers. She will report to John Peake, Senior Vice President Programming for iHeartMedia Los Angeles.
“It takes a special programmer to lead an iconic radio station like KOST 103.5, and Jill is in that elite class,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “Her impeccable track record includes impressive wins at some of the top stations in the world including WASH, WLTW and WBEB. And I’m confident KOST will be her next. We’re proud to have her taking the reins of one of iHeartMedia’s most cherished brands.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Jill for several years in Washington, D.C. and am thrilled to welcome her to the iHeartMedia Los Angeles programming team,” says Kevin LeGrett, President of iHeartMedia Los Angeles. “Jill is one of the best AC programmers in the country and has an impressive history of success at each station she has touched. “Not only is she a sound and creative programmer, but she is an inspiring and capable leader with a comprehensive understanding of promotions, marketing, data, digital, social and events. I am very much looking forward to working with Jill again and advancing the iconic KOST brand.”
Kempton most recently served as the program director for iHeartMedia Philadelphia’s 106.1 The Breeze and will remain the program director for iHeartMedia Washington, D.C.’s 97.1 WASH-FM. Under her supervision, 97.1 WASH-FM achieved top rating success between 2017 and 2021, including the highest Holiday rating in station’s PPM history. Prior to that, Kempton served as imaging director, assistant program director and music director for iHeartMedia New York’s 106.7 LITE FM. During that time, she won a Gracie Award for Outstanding Imaging. Kempton began her career in 2005 at WBEB-FM in Philadelphia where she held several positions in programming including production and morning show producer.
“What an absolute thrill and honor to work alongside the incredible programming minds of iHeartMedia LA,” said Kempton. “KOST is an iconic brand with world-class talent, and I’m still pinching myself that I get to be part of it. The bond listeners have with KOST is undeniable, starting every morning with the great ELLEN K. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the station and market in this everchanging audio universe. My sincere gratitude to iHeartMedia.”
